Summit in Sixty Seconds November, 2016

When clients walk in to marriage and family therapist Amy Rotz’s office, Shane greets them with a big, happy, Golden Retriever smile that makes them feel welcome and sets them at ease.

“It can be stressful coming in to talk about something hard,” Amy said. “Shane just transforms them and makes them feel comfortable. From there he’ll adapt to each person’s needs. He’s a sensitive soul and very intuitive about what they need.”

With a teenage girl who has gone through a lot of ups and downs, Shane just curls up by her feet the whole time. For a child with autism, Shane is a learning partner, helping teach social cues and body language. With another autistic child who is anxious around dogs, Shane has been very patient by gradually letting the child approach him when ready.

Amy works with teens, children, individuals and couples, so Shane is very flexible. “Shane is here for everybody,” she said. “He has brought so much joy and comfort to so many people.”

Amy and Shane have been together for less than a year, but he settled right into his role as canine therapist for Amy’s patients. “He adapted with flying colors,” she said.

Would you like to meet Amy & Shane? Plan to join us for an open reception to honor them, and our other 2016 graduates, on Saturday, December 3rd, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. at the Seafarers Memorial Bldg. in Anacortes.

Give a gift that gives back to Summit

With the holidays fast approaching, do you need a good gift idea? Treat your friends and family to tasty wines for gifts, or stock up for your holiday feasts and parties. Choose from Carmenere, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Mix and match a six-pack or more. The more bottles you order, the lower the shipping cost per bottle. Each bottle has a Summit dog on the front and Summit’s story on the back. You can even create your own custom front label. Check out Summit Wines and simplify your shopping. Thanks for supporting us!

Lucky ticket holder wins quilt

Congratulations to Karen from Oak Harbor, she held the winning ticket for the beautiful quilt that was recently raffled off. Raffle tickets were sold throughout the summer and the winning ticket was drawn on September 16th. Thank you to Summit supporter Anni Campbell for making the quilt and coordinating the raffle, which raised $1,800. Karen bought her ticket at the Coupeville Farmers Market and is thrilled to have won saying it's the first time she's ever won a raffle. Thank you to everyone who bought a ticket and helped make the raffle a success.

Fun and games and generosity!

Approximately 100 Microsoft employees jumped in with two feet to join Summit's four-footed dogs and pups at the Dogtoberfest celebration Oct. 20th. This is one of many events Microsoft employees host during their annual giving campaign month that benefits Summit. This event alone raised more than $13,000 for Summit. Last year, Microsoft employee giving from events, the annual Dogs of Microsoft Calendar competition and individual giving raised about one-fourth of Summit’s annual operating budget and Summit is most grateful for their generosity.